Wave form synthesizing apparatus



, 1967 K. H. HAAsE 3,305,675

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me ff JJ JJ 3,305,675 WAVE FGRM SYNTHESIZING APPARATUS Kurt H. Haase, Watertown, Mass., assignor to the United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force Filed June 19, 1962, Ser. No. 203,663 1 Claim.. (Cl. 23S-197) The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the United States Government for governmental purposes without payment to me of any royalty thereon.

This invention relates to synthesis of electrical signals in accordance with their harmonic content and more particularly to a novel method and apparatus for synthesizing any -desired number of Fourier coeicients of the periodic functions which constitute a complex periodic wave.

The fields of engineering, applied physics and mathematics, are concerned with periodic functions in a wide range of problems, e.g. vocal and sound acoustics, space communications, study of signals based on orbit rotations, etc.

There are two parts in the study of periodic functions: (1) analysis which expresses the frequency characteristics of a periodic time function, and (2) synthesis which expresses the periodic time function of the known display of frequency characteristics.

My copending application, S.N. 840,981, entitled Wave Form Analyzing Method and Apparatus, filed September 18, 1959, now U.S. Patent No. 3,009,106 is concerned with the first part, an-d the present invention is concerned with the second part.

The present invention does not have any comparison with prior art since it is based on a new principle using the periodic spectrum of the function.

The present invention has utility in many fields of science and engineering. For example, when the spectrum of a periodic signal radiated by a satellite under normal conditions is known, the present invention determines how the shape of the signal changes when certain ranges of its spectrum are entirely changed in amplitude or phase or both. The same is true in Vocal and sound acoustics. Another important application in communications is frequency band compression. The present invention is able to immediately ge-nerate electrical analogues in which the information content is restricte-d to its minimum.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to teach a novel method of synthesizing any desired number (without limit) of Fourier coefficients as the product of a periodic coefficient and applicable real number factors.

Another object of this invention is the provision of novel automatic wave form synthesizing apparatus adapted to be utilized for the synthesization of Fourier coefficients by the novel method herein described.

Still another object of this invention is the provision of novel automatic wave form synthesizing apparatus which provides the picture of a time domain periodic function when its characteristic in the frequency domain is known.

A further object of this invention is the provision of novel automatic wave form synthesizing apparatus which provides an output in digits or analogue values representative of a periodic polygonal function.

The novel Fourier synthesizer to be described herein is based on my discovery that a continuous periodic function can always be approximated by a periodic polygonal function. A periodic polygonal trace of 2n straight lines equally space-d in the direction of the variable can be synthesized from n+1 periodic coefficients.

The present invention utilizes a predetermined number United States Patent h 3,305,675 Patented Feb. 21, 1967 (n) of periodic coeflicients as input signals, the number of such inputs being dependent upon the degree of approximation of the periodic function that is desired. Iii accordance with a predetermined program of computation these input signals are involved in procedures of grouping and of multiplications by real numbers by the use of adding, multiplying and converting stages. This computation may be carried out by mechanical or electronic switching means, and results in (2n) output signals which represent, in either digital or analogue values, the periodic function being synthesized.

The novel features which I believe to lbe characteristic of my invention are set forth with particularly in the appended claim. My invention itself, together with further objects and advantages thereof, can best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which;

FIGURE l illustrates a block diagram of the component parts of the invention for the case n=18;

FIGUR-E 2 illustrates a typical straight line approximation of a periodic function where the half period is subdivided into 11:18 equal parts;

FIGURE 3 illustrates the operational elements used in the invention.

FIGURE 4 illustrates the sampler switches storing the input signals am* and bml;

FIGURE 5 illustrates the stage to compute and to store the groups Vm and Wm;

FIGURE 6 illustrates the stage to compute and to store the groups Vm and Wm;

FIGURE 7 illustrates the multiplier stage;

FIGURE 8 illustrates program switches summing the values Q1;

FIGURE 9 illustrates program switches summing the values P1;

FIGURE 10 illustrates program switches summing the values 1;

FIGURE 11 illustrates program switches summing the values Fi;

FIGURE 12 illustrates the S0 combination;

FIGURE 13 illustrates the nS-o combination;

FIGURE 14 illustrates the S0 Se S9, o g, sampler;

FIGURE 15 illustrates the y0 )'36 display; and FIGURE 16 is a combination block and schematic diagram of the preferred embodiment.

The apparatus for automatic Fourier synthesis of periodic functions is based on a theory of synthesizing periodic polygonal functions also discovered by applicant. The essential contents of this theory will be repeated in the next few paragraphs, as far as its knowledge is necessary to explain the invention. I define f(x) as a periodic function with a range Oxl of one period. Such a function has an even [g(x)] and odd [m(x)] part. It is represented as SgandDo. ..D9

Sg, D0 D9, and

f(x)=f(ik+x)=g(x)+u(x) (l) where K is a sequence of integers 0, 1, 2

According to Fourier f(x) can be replaced b f(x)=aq[ar cos 21rrx+b, sin 2mm] Equation 2 represents a superposition of an infinite number of cosine waves with amplitudes of ar (including a D.C. component x10/2) and an infinite number of sine waves with amplitudes br. These amplitudes are called Fourier Coefficients. I discovered that the Fourier coefficients of f(x) can be expressed by Equations 3 and 4.

If f(x) is composed by a polygonal sequence of equally spaced straight lines, so that the picture of one period of f(x) is a 2n side polygon, the x directional component of each side is of the same length. Note that the periodic coefficients and the Fourier coefficients are related by Equations 3 and 4.

the selected arbitary integer n has to be suitable to the approximation. The order m, an integer, extends to infinity. The factors am* and bm* are periodic, with a period of 11 in m, and are therefore called Periodic Fourier Coeficients. The infinite number of coefiicients am and br becomes an infinite repetition of a finite number of coefficients am* and bml. The factor Kn is merely a scale factor in the y-direction. The factor Cn(m) is Vindependent of f(x) and can be tabulated in parameters n as a function of m.

Coefiicients and related functions thereof are designated by the asterisk (i), said asterisk being a general symbol intended to differentiate the periodic functions comprehended by my invention from the so-called natural Fourier coefficient and related functions thereof. to be noted that whereas a periodic function has an infinite number of Fourier coefficients ar and br, a polygonal equally spaced periodic function has, in addition, periodic coefficients a* an* and bo* bnf. This is an exact statement, ltrue for such polygonal peri odic functions. However, as far as a continuous periodic function can be approximated in a sufcient way (choosing a proper integer n) by such a polygonal function, then it has the same Fourier coefiicient (and as its approximation) is defined in a unique manner by the periodic coefficients.

It is convenient in synthesizing computation to define the following groups of periodic coefficients:

I have also derived the periodic coeficients indicated in Equations 3 and 4 as being:

2n vrm. y lll bm t] S n i (15) Equations 14 and 15 are a system of linear equations expressing am* and bm* explicitly as functions of sample values y, (identically with the polygonal corner coordinates) on the right side of the equations. The sample values y, range from y1 to yh, and are the ordinates belonging to equally spaced parts of the period. The samples are multiplied by cosine and sine functions, respectively. The angles of these trigonometric functions are integral multiples nii of the angle vr/n', m and i are integers in the range O mrz and OIZH, respectively; n is called the Subdivision Index, since in a 2n side periodic polygonal function the half-period is divided in n equal parts. I have discovered that by substituting the Fourier coeicients expressed by Equations 3 and 4 into Equation 2, Equation 16 is obtained 1 2ny y=,- y kim* cos lmili-bm* sin 7l' #1n-z] n (1(3) with OILZ/i (17) Equation 16 expresses the samples yi explicitly as a function of periodic coefficients an* and bn* and as a consequence of Equation 16 7ni:?:512n-m:24 (18) bmt=b2n m* (19) If n is an even integer n/Z is also an integer. By correlating y, with y2n and ym, the index 1' has to cover only the range On/Z to name all 2n samples y0 yza By correlating am* with @n m* and amm* and bm* with b2n m"f and bnJrm, then the index m has to cover only O/nn/Z to name all 2n periodic coefiicients. If n is an odd integer, 1z/2 is not an integer, but (/z-l)/2 is an integer. In this case, the index has to cover the range OiUi-U/Z, and m the range OmOt-U/Z, to name all 2n samples and periodic coefiicients, respectively. Since the index z' represents the sequence in numbering the samples, it is evident that in the defined limited ranges, all samples can be expressed by one of the groups yi, y2n i or ymi. The intercorrelation of these groups will -be discussed in detail subsequently. In the process of automatic computation to synthesize the polygonal trace described by Equation 16, I have derived from Equation 16, the following formulas to yield the samples yi;

By dening sample groups, substituting these groups into Equations 16, 20, 2l and 22, and by conditions 18 and 19, I derive the following expressions for sums and differences of sample groups:

In the process of synthesis computation, it is convenient to discriminate even from odd indices, m and z'.

If is even, let =2v. If m is even, let mZZ/i. If is odd, let 1:211. If m is odd, let 111:2;1-1. Since the subdivision index n may be an even or odd integer, it belongs to any of the following classes of integers:

Class I n even and n/Z even Class II n even and n/Z odd Class III n odd and (n-1)/2 even Class IV n odd and (n-1)/2 odd Naturally as soon `as the subdivision index n is decided, the formulas pertaining to only that class are of interest in the synthesis computation. It is to be noted there is really no essential difference between the for-mulas for any of the four classes -against the other classes. Therefore, it is quite sufficient to describe an embodiment of my novel Iautomatic computer device by taking any subdivision index n as an example.

Referring now to FIGURE 2, one period is shown of a continuous periodic function (solid curve) that is approximated yby a periodic polygonal function (dotted straight lines). The range of the period is sub-divided in-to 36 equal parts so that 11:18. This shape is a fairly Agood approximation. Deviations are noticeable only at the sharp curvatures. The sharpest curvature always determines the magnitude of n. As previously mentioned, I have derived additional formulas which are specialized according to the class of n. For the particular embodiment under consideration, namely, t-o synthesize a 36- side periodic polygonal trace, that is equally spaced in the x-direction, when the periodic coeiicients are known, I use the following formulas:

bodiment, I compute the groups and sum products as follows:

By Equation 32 V0=a0*-|a13*, by Equation 34 and by Equation 33 V9=2.a9*.

Regarding the ranges given in 31 the computation will result in VO, V2, V8 W0, W2 Q2,...Q8 V1, V3,... P3a-P9Q1sQ37Q9 Consequently, by Equations 27 30, I obtain S0: S21 S4 S8 D0 D2: D4: D8 S1,S3,...S9D1,D3,...D9 Also, for this specific embodiment, I use the formulas:

Regarding the ranges given in Equation 44, the computation results in:

Referring now to FIGURES 1 and 16, a specific embodiment of the synthesizer will be described for the subdivision index 11:18. The synthesis computer is fed by the periodic coefficients, leads 99 and 100, and yields the samples y1, lead 614. The synthesis computer contains the following operational elements:

(l) Polarity inverting operators to convert a plus value into a negative value.

(2) Grouping operators, for example, to build the group Vm and parameters m.

(3) Operational multipliers where, for example, group values Vm are multiplied by real numbers smaller or equal to one performed by a resistor potentiometer.

(4) Grouping operators to group the products received in 3, and

(5) Grouping operators to yield the samples` The result may be numerical values y1, or the picture of the polygonal trace, or an electric analogue of the polygonal function determined by the corner values y0, y1 y2n with y2n=y1,. Essentially for other subdivision indices only minor changes in the apparatus are necessary. FIG- URE 1 goes together with and shows the interconnection of FIGURES 3 through 14, as does FIGURE 16. The operational elements of the computer are shown in FIG- URE 3, They are:

(1) Sample switches.

(2) Collector switches.

The sample switch differs from the collector switch only by the direction of the energy ux. Both switches are designed to be mechanical rotary switches with an arm rotating over concentrically arranged contacts.

As can be seen from FIGURE 3, the switches are mounted on a shaft, e.g. 101, with the collector ring, 104, insulated from the shaft by insulating sleeve, 103. The nut on arm 102 is in electrical association with collector ring 104. The collector ring controls a suitable connecting circuit.

(3) Adders, S00, to add the input values.

(4) Converters, 700, to transform a signal to its opposite polarity.

(5) Program switches to make additive combinations of input signals as illustrated in FIGURE 3.

It is to be noted that in all cases analogue signals can be replaced by digits and time sequential operations can be replaced by simultaneous operations.

Referring now to FIGURE 16, the apparatus has as its inputs in time sequence harmonic amplitude values (11,* (1111*, 99, and buf 1118*, 100. When these values are distributed on the contacts of SS1 and SS2 which are on common shaft 101, the computer can start to work.

Shaft 101 makes one revolution and stops; thus, the input values are now distributed ou the circumference contacts of CS1, CS2, C83 and CS1, all of which are on common shaft 201, because each collector switch has contacts connected with the corresponding contacts on ssl and To construct the sums Vm and the differences Wm the collector switches CS1 and CS2 are used as illustrated in FIGURE 5. CS1 is used for the m index coefficients and CS2 for the 18-111 index coeicients where Om. It can be seen that SS3 and S84, SS5 and S51, are also on common shaft 201. Each collector switch makes one rotation and in synchronization with these sampler switchers. These samplers store the results, for example, V1, V9 and W1, W9 obtained by the use of two adders, 800 and 801, and a converter as shown on FIG- URES 5 and 16. It is to be noted that the values 1/2 (VOA-V9), 1/2 (V0-V9) and (1/2) W1, obtained through use of a resistor potentiometer are used in a later combination stage, FIGURE l2, leads 215, 216 and 217, respectively. In a similar manner, the sums 'Vm and Wm are obtained through the use of two collector switches CS1, and CS1, and stored on S55 and SSB as shown in Cir 8 FIGURE 6. The values (1/2) W1, and (-1/2) W1, are used in a later stage, leads 218 and 219. See FIGURE 13.

FIGURE 7 illustrates the next stage. When shaft 201 performs one revolution and stops, the potentials are distributed on the circumference contacts of CS5 through leads 231 and 232. CS1, has 32 contacts on its circumference. Shaft 301 is coupled with shaft 401 of the multiplier in such a way that as long as arm 302 of C35 rests on any contact, shaft 401 of the multiplier performs one revolution. Hence the multiplier makes 32 revolutions for each revolution of shaft 301. That is to say CS5 makes one revolution and stops; the multiplier at the same time makes 32 revolutions and stops. Through multiplier stage 7 the stored values V, W, I: and W are multiplied by real numbers smaller or equal to one through use of a resistor potentiometer as shown in FIGURE 7. The contacts of C55 are interconnected, lead 311, by the resistors R1 R1, of the multiplier and the last Contact is linked to ground (zO) through resistor R9. Synchronized with the multiplier is sampler switch SS7 which links the products (V, etc. values multiplied by C11, c1, etc., leads 411 and 413) to the array of a program switch.

FIGURES 8, 9, 10 and 11 show program switches 815. The program switches build the combinations P1, P9, 417, Q1, Q9, 416 and the corresponding barred values, leads 413 and 419. Each program switch works so that the array of contacts is brought in four or five positions for a summation operation. For example, on the left side of the program switch in FIGURE 8 on the line of the filled points 413, are the stored products V1c2 Vqc. If this line is covered by the first program line the products V1c1 V3c1 V501, and V7c1, are obtained. These values are added together to get Q11, 416, in accordance with Equation 37. Covering the line by the second program line yields the products V1c2, V3c1, V568 and -V-,c4 on the line and by addition is obtained Q2, 416. The other program switches work in the same way. The results P, Q, F and of FIGURES 8, 9, 10 or 11 are stored and linked, leads 416, 417, 418 and 419 to collector switches CS- CSS, CS1, and CSS, respectively as further illustrated in FIGURES 12 and 13.

After the multiplier has stopped revolving, potentials are distributed on the circumference contacts of CSG, CS1, S58, SSg, CSB, SS11 SS11. All these switches are on corn- IIIOII Shaft SS12, S513, S813 and S815.

After C and the multiplier have stopped, shaft 501 makes one revolution and stops. Using input adders 816, 817, 818 and 819, the sums S defined in Equations 27 and 28, S defined in Equations 40 and 41, and the differences D defined in Equations 29 and 30, and defined in equations in 42 and 43 are obtained as shown in FIG- URES 12 and 13. These stages use the signals leads 215, 216, 217, 218 and 219, coming from `the Vm, Wm, and Wm storage, respectively. All switches on FIGURES 12 `and 13 are synchronized to make one rotation. The adders, 816-819, deliver the summations S1, S9, S1, S9 and the differences D1, D11, and T51, g,

respectively, leads S15-518, to potentiometers where they are multiplied by 1Ag. See FIGURE 14. These products are marked as S', D', and S and leads 519-522, and stored on the contacts of the sampler switches SS12 S515 (FIGURE 14).

When shaft S01 makes one revolution and stops, potentials are now distributed on the circumference contacts of CS11, and CS11 which are on a common shaft 601 with S816. FIGURE 15 shows the collector switches CS11, and CS11 where the sums S0' S9', S0' S9 (with both polarities) and the differences D1, D9', T50 Q (with both polarities) are stored on the contacts in such a way that by one arm rotation the final samples Y1, Y36 can be built in an adder 820, according to Equations 23 26. And so it is seen that when shaft 601 makes one revolution the final result is distributed on the circumference contacts S8111. The samples 

